Patagonia Adventure – March 2024

Depart for Punta Arenas Chile via Santiago Chile

Welcome to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia!

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be transferred to the town of Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres Del Paine National Park.

If you have some energy left after our journey, and depending on the time of your arrival, you can participate in an optional activity: A bike city tour to discover the rich history of the region.

Today, we dive into the heart of Patagonia’s natural wonders. Torres del Paine National Park beckons with its rugged beauty.

One of the most popular hikes is Base Las Torres. A route through forests, rivers, bushes, and rocks to achieve one of the most popular views in a demanding hike of approximately 9 hours, covering a total of 24 km.

This trip will begin very early in the morning from Puerto Natales. We will travel by vehicle to the northern sector of the park arriving at the access called Laguna Amarga and then continue to the starting point of the activity located in Cerro Paine Reserve. At this point, we will prepare our equipment and receive all necessary instructions.

The first hour and 30 minutes will be of a constant ascent, with some areas of minor inclination and low vegetation to reach the “Paso de los Vientos”, from here we will begin a descent of approximately 30 minutes towards the Refugio Chileno for a brief rest.

The route continues for 1 hour between lenga forests parallel to the Ascensio River, river that we will cross at various points and that will accompany us for much of the journey. The last section has a slope of 300 meters and a challenging terrain with rocks and some forest in the first 25 minutes. The final part is an exposed trail without vegetation, in a looser ground and with a view towards the final section of the valley, gaining altitude quickly.

Once with the goal accomplished, in front of the imposing towers, we will take the necessary time to eat, take pictures and admire the view. The descent and return to the vehicle is done by the same trail.

Experience the true spirit of Patagonia with a day at a local estancia (ranch). Engage in authentic local activities, from horseback riding amidst stunning landscapes to savoring a hearty Patagonian barbecue.

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the port to start the day navigating through the Última Esperanza fiord, where we will learn a little more about the region’s history and geography.

Upon arriving at the estancia, we will meet those who live there, and you will choose the activity to do during the day, with the possibility of horseback riding, trekking, or 4×4 rides.

At the end of the activities, you will be greeted with a traditional roasted stick, enjoying a delicious lunch.

Life on a ranch takes place around their animals. This is why you will enjoy a demonstration of the work of sheepdogs, the shearing of sheep, and a story that will allow you to know the operation of a typical estancia in Patagonia.

We will also visit the facilities before embarking on a speedboat to return to Puerto Natales, where we will take you back to your hotel.

Today, we cross the border into Argentina and make our way to El Calafate.

In the afternoon, engage in a community service project, focused on Sustainability, with a local Patagonian school.

You will have an amazing opportunity to get involved and participate in a community service project at a local Patagonian school. By being part of this experience, focused on Sustainability, you will be improving someone’s life and making the community better.

Discover the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest and most mesmerizing glaciers in the region. Witness the power of nature as massive ice chunks break off and crash into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.

We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning to take you to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 50 miles from El Calafate. Half of the park is occupied by the Patagonian ice field, the second largest ice field after Antarctica.

Upon arrival to the National Park, your guide will show you the different walkways from where you will be able to walk in front of the colossal ice wall, and, if you are lucky, perhaps see some landslides.

You will start the adventure from the main balcony and then, have some time to discover the park and have lunch until the meeting time agreed with your guide.

For a different perspective of this impressive glacier, you can take a 1-hour boat ride to sail along the massive glacier wall that rises 240 feet above Argentino lake and in between floating icebergs.

After exploring the park, you will be taken back to your hotel.

El Chaltén is the top-rated hiking destination in Argentina. This charming little village sits at the foot of Fitz Roy Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests.

At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate and transferred to El Chaltén. You’ll travel along the famous Route 40 for about 3 hours, surrounded by the Patagonian steppe. You will pass through La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma and La Leona Roadhouse, where famous thieves Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid hid out for a month.

After discovering other rough gems of this particular landscape, you’ll reach El Chalten.

Today, we will embark on a short trek to discover the area. From the National Park offices, and after a gentle climb of around 40 minutes, we will arrive at a viewpoint, Los Cóndores, which is strategically located for the chance of spotting condors on their frequent flight between the valleys of the Rio de las Vueltas and the Rio Fitz Roy. Furthermore, it is perfect for admiring the impressive granite peaks and glaciers beyond the town of El Chaltén.

From here, we will continue to another viewpoint, Las Águilas, just 30 minutes away, to admire the vast space of the Patagonian steppe and immensity of Lake Viedma.

Prepare for an unforgettable day as we embark on the most famous trail in the park, leading to the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. The picturesque landscapes and rugged terrain make this hike an absolute must-do for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Take in the awe-inspiring view of Fitz Roy and relish the serenity of this pristine wilderness.

In the morning we will pick you up at your hotel and head towards the head of the trail. During the first hour of walking, the slope is somewhat steep, and you will access a natural viewpoint of the De las Vueltas river valley.

Then you enter the valley of the Del Salto stream in the direction of Mount Fitz Roy. The ñires begin to be more and more numerous around the trail and approximately an hour and a half into the journey you reach a well-signposted natural rocky viewpoint.

The path always continues up the Del Salto stream to the drainage area of the Madre and Hija lagoons. About 4 hours after leaving El Chaltén, you arrive at the Poincenot Base Camp (one of the most popular camping sites in the National Park) and after crossing the Blanco River, at the Río Blanco Base Camp.

From here the path continues with a somewhat steep slope of approximately 400 meters of unevenness until the De Los Tres lagoon, which will require a little more than an hour of effort.

The path ends with an extraordinary view of the De Los Tres lagoon and glacier. This is the closest view of the granite wall of Mount Fitz Roy and its outlying spires. Once there, we will choose a place sheltered from the wind to rest and enjoy lunch.

After the break, we will begin the descent towards the Poincenot camp to continue our return to El Chaltén from there.

It’s time to bid farewell to Patagonia’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel in El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport.

Fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires and then continue your journey back home, carrying with you the memories of this extraordinary Patagonian adventure.

This itinerary has allowed you to experience the best of both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey. Safe travels!

Arrive in Toronto. End Trip